The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast is live: Listen here.
Forever Chemicals

Forever Chemicals

When carbon and fluorine fuse together they create a virtually unbreakable compound. These days, such per- and polyfluoroalkyl (or PFAS) substances are widely used in thousands of products from food packaging to clothing, carpets, and more. And because these chemicals are designed to be unbreakable, “forever chemicals” are adding up in our bodies and in the environment.

On today’s episode I’m answering a listener’s question about the group of chemicals known as PFAS by bringing you an interview with Kevin Loria. Kevin is a Senior Health and Science writer for Consumer Reports and has extensively covered CR’s research into the implications of extensive reliance on forever chemicals.

Here’s a preview:

[1:45] A PFAS primer: What this family of chemicals is, where they’re most commonly found, and why they’re dangerous

[5:00] Health and environmental concerns

[7:30] Forever chemicals in food packaging: What research found

[11:00] Where we’re at with regard to PFAS regulation in the US and around the world

[15:00] EcoCraft, 100% Compostable, and other greenwashing examples: The “environmentally friendly” food packaging that’s actually not environmentally friendly at all

[16:45] 5 action steps to reduce PFAS exposure and make better purchasing decisions moving forward

 

Resources mentioned:

 

 

* Want more episodes like this one? Check out #070: The Basics of Minimalists Kitchens and Minimalist Cooking.

* Join our (free!) community here.

* Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube.

 

When carbon and fluorine fuse together they create a virtually unbreakable compound. These days, such per- and polyfluoroalkyl (or PFAS) substances are widely used in thousands of products from food packaging to clothing, carpets, and more. On this episode of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast: the implications of "forever chemicals" adding up in our bodies and in the environment.

Comments are closed.

Listen to the Podcast

The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast
Latest podcast:

How Many Jeans Do You Own?

Denim jeans were once the preferred trouser for cowboys in the American west; some decades later, they became a symbol of rebellion for non-conformist teens. These days jeans are all about comfort and casual style, and the average American woman owns 7 pairs. And yet blue jeans also happen to have one of fashion's biggest environmental footprints. On today's show Sarene Alsharif reveals the harsh realities associated with jeans production; she also shares practical strategies for transforming this wardrobe staple into a sustainable solution.   Here's a preview: [7:00]  Stone-washed with actual stones? Dyed with carcinogenic dyes? Uncovering your favorite pair's dirty little enviro-secrets  [13:00] Want some stretch? Revisiting our desire for synthetic fibers in our denim  [23:00] The trend cycle = smoke and mirrors [27:00] It's a marriage not a fling (and other tried-and-true sustainable fashion tips) [31:00] Stephanie's nihilist thoughts: What happens when collective action matters, and yet the collective isn't doing its part?   Resources mentioned: How To Save The World With A Pair Of Jeans (via YouTube) Tad More Tailoring Atomic Habits (by James Clear) The Comfort Crisis Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self (February's Book Club pick!)   This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! **If you're a financial supporter over on Apple Podcasts and want to join Book Club, please email me and let me know! For privacy reasons, Apple won't share your contact info with me. Just email me and I'll happily add you!** Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe

My Story

Hello there, I’m Stephanie. I live a crazy, beautiful life as a full-time wife, blogger + mother to two spirited daughters. I’m on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living so as to greater enjoy life’s sweeter moments.

Want to know more? Read my story.

Sustainable minimalism for home, head + heart.

Join our community of eco-conscious women on a collective journey towards sustainable simplicity.

Join us!